Justice League

Justice League - 2017

Movie Info

Rating: PG-13

Age-appropriateness: moderate sci-fi action, some language and violence

Overview: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.

Themes: superhero, justice, teamwork, hope, truth, father/son, love, trinity, unity, inspiration, resurrection, leadership, power, fear, vulnerability

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Justice. What injustices do you see in the world around you? How can you fight for justice, love kindness, and walk humbly?

The superheroes spent their time fighting back against criminals. They wanted to fight for justice. Justice is making sure everyone is treated fairly and that people get the consequences they deserve. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" God assures us that he is a God of justice, and that He will make sure everything is made right one day. He is loving and, at the same time, He will hold everyone accountable for their actions.

2. Teamwork. What are the best teams that you've ever been a part of? What type of special abilities do you bring to a team?

Bruce Wayne put together a team of people with special abilities. Their group is called the “Justice League". It takes everyone working together, as a team, to ensure success. Ephesians 4:16 says, "(Jesus) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."

3. The Trinity. What distinct role do you think each person of the Trinity is responsible for? What questions do you have about the Trinity?

The three Mother Boxes combined to create “The Unity”, which became a very powerful force. It brings all three boxes into sync. The Bible describes one God as three persons in what is called "the Trinity". The three persons of the Trinity are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Here's a Biblical breakdown of the main characters of the DC Extended Universe.

2. The superheroes spent their time fighting back against criminals. They wanted to fight for justice. Justice is making sure everyone is treated fairly and that people get the consequences they deserve. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" God assures us that he is a God of justice, and that He will make sure everything is made right one day. He is loving and, at the same time, He will hold everyone accountable for their actions. What injustices do you see in the world around you? How can you fight for justice, love kindness, and walk humbly?

3. Bruce Wayne put together a team of people with special abilities. Their group is called the “Justice League". It takes everyone working together, as a team, to ensure success. Ephesians 4:16 says, "(Jesus) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What are the best teams that you've ever been a part of? What type of special abilities do you bring to a team?

4. Wonder Woman's Lasso of Hestia compels people to tell the truth. When the lasso is wrapped around them, they cannot lie about anything. How would you use Wonder Woman's Lasso, if you had it? When are you tempted to tell lies instead of the truth?

5. Aquaman preferred to be left alone. He said, “A strong man is strongest alone.” Batman tells him that’s the opposite of the truth. Do you believe Aquaman's statement and view of life? Why wouldn't it be best to be alone?

6. Barry Allen (The Flash) loved his father, who was in prison. Barry’s dad thought he was holding his son back, and wanted for Barry to live his own life. What do you think Barry should do about his relationship with his father? How would that relationship makes Barry feel?

7. Victor Stone (Cyborg) had a strained relationship with his father. An accident in his father’s lab left Victor with new abilities. Victor was angry at his father for contributing to the accident. When have you been really mad at your parents? Do you ever blame them for problems that you encounter in life?

8. Steppenwolf wanted to conquer the entire world. When he defeated a human, that person turned into one of his Parademons. Parademons are creatures that feed off of fear. What are some of the things you're most afraid? How do you deal with that fear?

Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Child About Their Fears.

9. The three Mother Boxes combined to create “The Unity”, which became a very powerful force. It brings all three boxes into sync. The Bible describes one God as three persons in what is called "the Trinity". The three persons of the Trinity are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. What distinct role do you think each person of the Trinity is responsible for? What questions do you have about the Trinity?

10. Batman says that Superman and Wonder Woman do more than save people. They are a beacon of hope to the world. They make people better versions of themselves. Jesus gave up His entire life to save the world from their sins. Because God is just and always does what is right, He makes sure that there is a consequence for our sins. Jesus paid the price of our sins on the cross. Because of Jesus, we have hope. Because of Jesus, we get to be the best versions of ourselves. Jesus is better than any superhero in any movie. What hope does Jesus give you? What would a better version of yourself look like?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:06 The city mourns the death of Superman. Have you ever lost someone that you loved? How did you grieve that loss?

Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Death/Grieving.

:11 When the bad guy asks Wonder Woman what she is, she responds with a "believer”. That's the same phrase that's used to describe people who believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In that sense, who are some "believers" that you know in your life? Would you consider yourself a "believer"?

:30 Lois Lane talks to Superman’s mother. Lois is a hard worker who wanted to use her job to share the truth about what’s going on in the world. How can you use your life to share truths with the world? What truths do you think people need to hear?

:39 Bruce Wayne recruits Barry Allen to join the Justice League. Bruce invited Barry to be a part of a movement bigger than himself. That’s exactly what we do when we invite others to follow Jesus. When someone follows Jesus, they join the family of God and begin to live for a greater purpose. Now, everything that they do on Earth impacts who else might come to know Jesus and join the family of God, too! How can you invite other people to join God's family? Who is someone in your life that needs to hear about Jesus?

:42 Diana meets Victor. Victor had something bad happen to him and now he’s closed himself off to the world. He doesn’t want to open up to others, afraid to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is sharing openly and honestly with someone knowing you are risking being hurt. How vulnerable would you say you are? What makes you hesitant of being more vulnerable with people?

:46 Aquaman learns his mother left him as a baby in order to save his life. There's a story in the Bible about a baby named Moses, who was left by his mother, too. Moses' mother placed him in a basket and placed him into a river in order to save his life (Exodus 2). She cared so much about him that she was willing to make a really difficult choice. Have you ever had to make a hard choice? Do you think your parents make hard choices for you because of their love for you?

1:05 Batman advocates for science when he says, “science is for doing what has never been done...to make life better.” Wonder Woman clarifies that “technology is like any other power: without reason, without heart, it destroys us.” They are both correct. Science can help us learn more about the way God designed the world, but we can never lose our integrity and our heart as we try to accomplish great things. Why do you think that "reason and heart" are so important in everything that we do?

1:08 Bruce Wayne acknowledges that Superman is far more humble than he is. Bruce explains that, even with all of his power, Superman still remained human and had a heart. Humility is considering others before thinking about yourself. Jesus is the most humble person to ever live. He is also God, so He's the most powerful being to ever exist, as well. Would you rather be the most powerful person on Earth, or the most humble? How do you think Jesus was able to be both?

1:13 Superman is brought back to life. Jesus Christ was actually brought back to life after dying on the cross. Jesus completely died and then, three days later, He was alive! This proves that He is God, because only God can do something impossible like that. Because we know Jesus was brought back to life, we know that God keeps His promises and that everything Jesus said was true. Knowing that Jesus was brought back to life, what must be true about God?

1:23 Wonder Woman talks about leadership. She mentions that a leader carries a heavy burden because the fate of their followers rests on their shoulders. The Bible says that the best leaders are the best servants. They are people who put the needs of others above themselves. Luke 22:26 says, "But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant." Who are some of the best leaders you know? How can you be a great leader?

1:30 Aquaman tells the truth about what he’s feeling when he sits on Wonder Woman’s lasso. He mentions that he has always felt like a loner and shares his actual fears with his friends. Have you ever felt like this? Do you feel like you're able to share your actual fears with your friends?

1:48 Lois Lane finishes the movie with a monologue about light and darkness. Followers of Jesus are called to shine the bright light of Jesus into a dark world so that others can have hope, peace, joy, love, and grace. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” How can you "be a light" in a dark world?